Disposable, Single-Use Utensils for Children

ABSTRACT

A disposable, single-use utensil type is provided for use by children and child caregivers while traveling or otherwise away from home, wherein a spoon, knife, and fork are disclosed having features suitable for use by young children and a construction that is disposable after one use. The utensils include rounded edges and wide handles suitable for use by children, while the structure of the utensils is one that is disposable or recyclable after use. The utensils are packaged in sets and distributed as packs of disposable travel utensils, where further a travel pack is provided for storing a plurality of utensils during an outing and thereafter disposing of the utensils once in contact with food items and a child&#39;s mouth. The goal is to eliminate the need for parents to travel with permanent utensils, which become messy and are not easily stored after use.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/614,303 filed on Mar. 22, 2012, entitled “Disposable-RecyclableInfant and Toddler Cutlery.” The above identified patent application isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuityof disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to utensils for use by children and theircaregivers. More specifically, the present invention pertains to aninfant and young child utensil set that is deployed in a travelablepackage and manufactured to be disposable after single-use, whereby achild can be fed while on the go and the caregiver can thereafterdispose of the utensil in favor of a replacement. The design of theutensils is one that is favorable for use with young children, wheresharp edges are avoided and the hand grips are enlarged for either childor caregiver use.

Feeding a young child can be a difficult and time consuming task. If thechild is still an infant but eating solid food, the child can bespoon-fed each serving using a utensil to scoop and transfer the food.If the child is older, the child generally has the dexterity to handleutensils and cutlery items without assistance, using child safetyutensils having rounded features to scoop or skewer food during a meal.This feeding process is well known to parents and is an everydayactivity. However, the feeding routine can become disrupted and mademuch more difficult if the family is on the road or otherwise away fromthe home, such as while on a day trip or during vacation activities.

When away from home, parents are required to bring food and associatedutensils to feed their young children. If the family brings nochild-safe utensils, the child may be forced to use adult utensils andcutlery items, including as larger and sharper silverware and disposablecounterparts thereof. These adult utensils are generally too large to beappropriate for use with younger children. They also tend to havesharper edges or pointed features that assist an adult with skeweringfood, but when used by a toddler or young child can pose a stabbing orpoking risk.

Toddlers and infants therefore require specially designed utensils thatavoid these sharp features, replacing them with rounded for tines,smooth edges, and duller knifes for safer use. Particularly youngchildren may not possess the dexterity to hold such adult utensils,however, which can further exacerbate the issue. The larger utensils canlead to gum injuries, problems fitting food into the child's mount, or arisk of utensil contact with the child's face while eating. Utensils andcutlery currently on the market for infants and toddlers are generallytoo expensive for single use and disposal, which is preferred method ofdeploying utensils when traveling outside the home and eating on the go.Disposing of otherwise pricey child utensils is therefore not attractivefor the consumer and parent.

The alternative is packaging permanent child utensils and cutlery itemsin travel bags and retaining the items after their use. This is also notan attractive alternative, as it can be inconvenient to continuouslytransport dirty eating utensils used by children, as the used utensilscan develop bacteria thereon and introduce food mess within theircontainer. Most parents would prefer to dispose of the items after theiruse; however with no viable option thus far existing for child utensils,this presents a problem for parents. Ideally parents on the go withchildren would prefer a safely-deployed utensil that they can use tofeed the child or let the child use on his or her own, whereafter thechild-safe utensil is disposed of and readily replaced with aninexpensive and disposable/recyclable replacement. This saves money andreduces regret about wasted material when disposing of child utensilswhile on the go.

The present invention provides a new and novel utensil type that isparticularly suited for this problem in the art. Specifically, a set ofdisposable, child-safe and child-designed utensil items is disclosed,whereby the times are provided in sets that can be individually deployedand disposed of after single-use. The utensils themselves are specificfor infant and toddler use, devoid of any sharp edges or interfaces thatwould pose a poking risk to the child. The utensils are thickened forimproved handling by a child, while the material is disposable andchild-safe.

This disposable and recyclable design makes it the perfect option forfamilies on the go, as well as a marketable product for venues such asday cares, hospitals, restaurants, theme parks or other locations. Theutensils can be packaged in travel packs of single-piece ormultiple-piece units, and can be disposed of and recycled after use sofamilies do not have to transport dirty silverware home for cleaning.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to utensildesigns and utensil types. These include devices that have been patentedand published in patent application publications, and generally relateto child safe utensils or disposable utensils suitable for adult use.The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the presentdisclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlightingand differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, andfurther highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Examples of prior art devices include U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2007/0251103 to Rhodes, III, U.S. Pat. No. 2,751,683 toJohns, U.S. Design Patents D615,367 and D615,368 to Sierra, D617,154 toGartz, and D446,087 to Riemer. These devices and designs describevarious child safe cutlery and utensil devices currently in the art.However, these devices fail to disclose a readily disposable andsingle-use utensil for a child that is well suited for deployment whiletraveling and packaged into readily-transported and deployed travelpouches.

The present invention provides a new travel utensil article that isspecifically suited for young children and infants, deployed within atravel pouch or dispensed from a larger assortment of utensils, anddesigned for single-use purposes and subsequent disposal thereafter. Theutensil articles are aimed at parents on the go, traveling andvacationing families, and other individuals caring for young childrenoutside of the home. It is submitted that the present invention issubstantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, andconsequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for animprovement to existing travel utensil articles for children. In thisregard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofinfant and young child utensils now present in the prior art, thepresent invention provides a new type of utensil that can be utilizedfor providing convenience for the user when feeding a child usingage-appropriate utensils that can be readily disposed of after a singleuse while on the go or while traveling away from the home.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide new andimproved, single-use child utensils that have all of the advantages ofthe prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a single-usechild utensil item having a disposable structure and features suitablefor use by a young child or by a parent feeding a young child.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a single-use childutensil item having rounded features to prevent poking risks and widenedgrip areas for improved purchase for young children, wherein thestructure is manufactured using a child-safe and recyclable ordisposable material.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a single-usechild utensil that is useful for domestic use (e.g. traveling families,etc.) or for commercial use (e.g. restaurants and eateries), wherebyfamilies can deploy the utensils and dispose of them thereafter andcommercial establishments can provide individual-wrapped items forsimilar use and disposal.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a single-use childutensil that is inexpensive to manufacture and sell to families andcommercial establishments, while further providing a recyclable utensilitem that does not adversely impact the environment.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a view of the present invention in its packaging, whereinthe utensils are distributed from a larger assortment thereof, withintravel packs, or as individual utensils, depending on the situation andthe environment in which the utensils are needed.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the different embodiments of the child-safe,disposable utensil items, including a fork, spoon, knife, and soupspoon.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the utensil items in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the single-use, disposable child utensil item. For thepurposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the presentinvention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used forfeeding children using utensils that are child safe and disposable afterone-time use with minimal expense or environmental hazard. The figuresare intended for representative purposes only and should not beconsidered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of the child utensilitems of the present invention in various containers and holders fordistribution and later deployment by a parent. The present inventionprovides a child-safe set of utensils, that while being particularlysuited for a young child who is eating solid food or capable of feedinghimself or herself, comprises a structure that is helpful to her child'sparents when the family is traveling or otherwise away from home. Theutensils themselves comprise commonly known structures in the art ofutensils and in child utensils; however it is desired to disclose anembodiment of child-safe utensils deployed in a single-use form thatonce used for feeding, the utensils can be readily recycled or disposedof without significant cost to the parent or a hardship on theenvironment.

It can be difficult for a parent to travel with permanent utensil itemsfor a child, as the child will use the utensil item once and thereafterthe utensil item must be cleaned before stored again or stored withoutbeing cleaned. In the first instance, finding an appropriate orconvenient location to clean the utensils can be difficult while awayfrom home. In the second instance, the used utensil can be wrapped andstored immediately after use without cleaning; however this optionleaves the utensil dirty and has the potential to spread food partiesinto the carrying case or larger bag containing the dirty utensil.Furthermore, the utensil cannot be reused without being cleaned again,as the food parties remain and pose a risk of exposure to food germs andfood spoilage to the child using the dirty utensil items at a latertime.

As contemplated, the present invention is deployed in a manufacturedform that allows to ready disposal after one use and distribution inseveral different formats, including a variety pack 40 having aplurality of disposable utensil items 41 therein, individualizeddistribution 62 wherein each utensils is individually wrapped, ordistributed as a set of utensils 60 in a larger wrapping.

In the first embodiment, an assortment of utensil items 41 is providedin a larger container 40. This assortment includes a plurality of forks22, spoons 21, and knives 23 that can be withdrawn and used as necessaryby a family while having replacements readily in reserves. This optionis helpful for children's parties where many children may be present,for families with multiple children, and for those families thatregularly take trips away from home and require disposable yetchild-safe utensils while on the go. The packaging of several disposablereplacement utensils is similar to those bulk packages of disposableutensil items suitable for adult use; however the present inventioncontemplates utensils that are child-safe, child-appropriate, anddisposable after one-time use.

In the second embodiment, a single utensil item is provided in anindividually wrapped packaging 62. This deployment of the child-safeutensil item is useful in common areas or in restaurants, where utensilitems are displayed for the public to take from and use when feed. Inthese areas, it is important to individually wrap each utensil item forsanitary reasons, as many individuals will come to retrieve utensilitems and direct contact with adjacent utensil items must be avoided.Such is the case at fast food areas and other restaurants. Individualpackaging 62 retains the sanitary nature of the particular utensil item24 amongst a larger assortment thereof, while allowing the individual tochoose a single required utensil by itself and without retrieving anymore utensils than absolutely required. It is contemplated that a shrinkwrap packaging or similar individualized packaging may deployed.

The last form of distribution includes a larger packaging 60 and anincluded assortment of utensil items 21, 22, 23 therein. This packagingincludes all utensils required for a meal, wherein the packaging 60 canbe opened at the beginning of the meal to allow the child to use allrequired utensil items. This embodiment is similar to the individualizedwrapping embodiment, but offers an assortment of utensil items therein.

In an embodiment the individualized packaging of the utensil items, thepackaging may be provided in the form of a travel pouch that comprises asealable and re-sealable opening 61. In this embodiment, parents wouldgather necessary utensil items and place them into the pouches 60 fromthe larger assortment packaging 40 for use as required while traveling.This embodiment contemplates a pouch that is retained rather than ashrink wrapped utensil item for retrieval by the general public.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there are shown the embodiments of thechild-safe, disposable utensil items of the present invention. Theembodiments include a child spoon 21, a child fork 22, a child knife 23,and finally a child soup spoon 24. Each embodiment comprises the sameconstruction, material, and child safety features that make their useappropriate for infants and toddlers.

Specifically, the utensil items deviate from standard disposable utensilitems by not having any sharp points or edges that can pose a poking orcutting risk to the child, particularly as children have poor motorfunction and particularly soft or exposed gums. For example, the forkembodiment 22 comprises a fork head having a plurality of fork times 35that terminate at a rounded edge. The structure of the tines is suchthat the tines 35 readily deform under load, whereby if the childinadvertently pokes itself, the fork tines 35 would deform rather thanremaining rigid, which would cause harm to the child's skin or gums. Thetines are comprised of a low stiffness material that accomplishes thisgoal.

Similarly, the leading edge of the spoons 34 and the tip 34 of the knifeblade 36 readily deform upon contact with the child to prevent poking orexcessive pressure on the child's gums or face. Further, each of theutensil items comprise handles 31 that are ergonomically suited forchildren, wherein the handles 31 are thicker than those found in the artof disposable utensil items. This promotes improved purchase of thehandle 31 for a child's small hands and non-dexterous fingers. Theutensils are therefore designed for use by a user with small hands. Theutensils include rounded, smooth edge features so as not to cut themouths or gums of infants and toddlers while in use. Together, theseelements provide similar functions as presently available child utensilitems; however the present invention contemplates manufacturing thesefeatures into a disposable embodiment that is suited for use on the gofamilies.

The material of the disposable utensil items preferably comprises aplastic material having a sufficiently rigid handle region and a lowstiffness serving head to prevent injury while in use. The plasticmaterial is preferably a Bisphenol-A (BPA) free material, which is acolorless solid used to make polycarbonate polymers and epoxy resins andother materials. BPA has been show to exhibit hormone-like propertiesthat can be hazardous to young children who are still rapidlydeveloping. The structural features protect the child from harminghimself, while the material utilized in the utensil construction issimilarly a non-toxic substance to prevent harm to the child.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a pictorial representation ofthe present invention in use by a child 101. In use, a child or toddlerutilizes the knife 36, fork 22, and spoon 24 for consuming food 70, oralternatively a parent uses the utensil items to feed an infant childwho is eating solid food. The utensils are deployed from individuallywrapped packaging or from an assorted container thereof, wherein theutensil items are utilized once and then disposed of after use. Forfamilies on the go, the ability to rapidly deploy utensil items for ahungry child and thereafter dispose of the items provides a welcomerelief over existing methods. The parent does not have to worry if thechild will harm himself by using sharp or pointed disposable utensils,and further does not have to repackage and store expensive childutensils that have been once used.

Overall, the present invention describes a set of disposable eatingutensils for an infant or toddler. The utensil items include a fork,knife, spoon, and soup spoon that are designed for use by a user withsmall hands and with limited dexterity. The utensil items are safer thancurrently available disposable utensil items, and more manageable thancarrying permanent child utensil items while traveling. The utensilitems' disposable and recyclable structure makes it the perfect optionfor families on the go, as well as a marketable product for venues suchas day cares, hospitals, restaurants, theme parks or other locations.The utensils can be packaged in travel packs of single-piece orthree-piece units, and can be disposed of and recycled after use sofamilies do not have to transport dirty silverware home for cleaning.Families with small children would benefit from disposable andrecyclable utensils specially designed for toddlers and infants.

Contemplated materials include plastics commonly utilized in themanufacture of standard disposable utensil items. These plastics aregenerally not readily recyclable, and include a Plastic IdentificationCode (PIC) of “7”—or “other”. This designation is for polycarbonate andABS plastics that are not readily recyclable into other plasticproducts. The present invention may be comprised of this type ofplastic; however it is preferable that the plastic be comprised ofmaterial having properties that allow for recyclability, including thosehaving a PIC number below “7”. It is not desired to limit the presentinvention to a specific material type and method of manufacturing, butrather to disclose a disposable or recyclable, single-use, andchild-appropriate utensil that is suited for travel use by families.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim: 1) A single-use, disposable, and child-safe utensil item fortravel use, comprising: a plastic structure having a handle region and autensil head region; said utensil head region having a low stiffness tipthat readily deforms upon contact; said handle region comprising athickened cross section for grip by children having small hands; saidplastic structure being particularly suited for use by small children;said plastic structure being suitable for single-use and disposalthereafter. 2) The device of claim 1, wherein said head region comprisesa fork head having a plurality of tines, said tines being deformable andhaving rounded distal ends. 3) The device of claim 1, wherein said headregion comprises a knife head having an elongated cutting edge and adeformable distal end. 4) The device of claim 1, wherein said headregion comprises a spoon having a rounded and deformable scoopingportion. 5) The device of claim 1, wherein said plastic structure ismanufactured in individual plastic wrapping for individual use. 6) Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said plastic structure is manufactured inplastic wrapping having a plurality plastic structures having differentutensil head regions for combined use during a single meal. 7) Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said plastic structure comprises a recyclableplastic material.